Atmospheric water generation and remote operation

ABSTRACT

Systems for atmospheric water generation are disclosed. An illustrative system may comprise an atmospheric water generator, and a wireless communications device communicatively coupled to the atmospheric water generator. The wireless communications device may be configured to receive and display status information associated with the atmospheric water generator, and to provide operating instructions to the atmospheric water generator. The wireless communications device may be further configured to display an outside temperature, an outdoor humidity, a water level, an indoor temperature, an indoor humidity, and a dew point. The wireless communications device may be further configured to receive control instructions, and wherein the wireless communications device is further configured to communicate the control instructions to the atmospheric water generator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/586,235 filed onMay 3, 2017 which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/331,339, filed May 3, 2016, and entitledSYSTEMS FOR ATMOSPHERIC WATER GENERATION, which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for atmosphericwater generation, which systems and methods for dehumidifyingatmospheric moisture include filtering and sterilizing the condensedatmospheric moisture. More particularly, the systems and methods forcondensing atmospheric moisture include wireless management ofatmospheric water generation and purification.

BACKGROUND

Atmospheric water generation systems typically comprise a coolingelement, such as a coil, that is cooled below the dew point to condensewater from the atmosphere. Condensed water is collected in a tank,passed through one or more filtration systems, and dispensed as drinkingwater.

However, many such systems typically expose collected water to variousatmospheric pathogens during the collection and filtration processes.Further, these systems are known to harbor and grow bacterial pathogens.As a result, although water may be collected from the atmosphere andfiltered, there may still be some uncertainty as to the safety of thewater for drinking.

In addition, many existing systems comprise an integral collection andfiltration unit, and the unit, which may be disposed outdoors, may nottherefore include a tap or water dispenser at an indoor location. Or,where integral water generation systems are disposed indoors, they maygenerate unwanted compressor/pump noise. These systems may not, inaddition, include remote access capabilities, requiring users to bephysically present at the system location to operate the system.

It would be beneficial to provide an atmospheric moisture generator thatdid not require users to be present at the atmospheric moisturegenerator, which is commonly an outdoor location, in order to drinkwater from the tap or control the operating functions of the atmosphericmoisture generator. Additionally, it would be beneficial to provide anatmospheric water generator that did not expose collected water toatmospheric pathogens during the collection and filtration processes.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods for atmospheric water generation are disclosed. Anillustrative system may include an atmospheric water generator, awireless communications device, and a tangible, non-transitory, memory.Wherein the processor is configured to communicate with the atmosphericwater generator, and the tangible, non-transitory, memory is configuredto communicate with the processor. The tangible, non-transitory, memoryhas information stored thereon that includes an updatable database ofstatus information associated with the atmospheric water generator, andat least one operating instruction for the atmospheric water generator.

In various embodiments, the wireless communications device may befurther configured to display an outside temperature, an outdoorhumidity, a water level, an indoor temperature, an indoor humidity, anda dew point. In other embodiments, the wireless communications devicemay be further configured to display a daily power usage, a weekly powerusage, a monthly power usage, and an annual power usage.

In further embodiments, the wireless communications device may befurther configured to set a coil temperature of the atmospheric watergenerator below a dew point. In still further embodiments, the wirelesscommunications device may be configured to calculate a cost associatedwith water production based upon a volume of water generated during atime period and an amount of power consumed during the time period. Inanother embodiment, the wireless communications device may run asoftware application and present an application interface configured toreceive and display the status information associated with theatmospheric water generator.

Another illustrative system for atmospheric water generation may includean atmospheric water generator, a wireless communications device, and atangible, non-transitory, memory. The wireless communications device maybe communicatively coupled to the atmospheric water generator. Thewireless communications device may also include a processor and display.The tangible, non-transitory, memory may have information stored thereonthat includes an updatable database of status information associatedwith the atmospheric water generator, and at least one operatinginstruction for the atmospheric water generator.

In various embodiments, the display may further include an outsidetemperature, an outdoor humidity, a water level, an indoor temperature,an indoor humidity, and a dew point. In other embodiments, the displaymay further include a daily power usage, a weekly power usage, a monthlypower usage, and an annual power usage.

In further embodiments, the processor controls a coil temperature of theatmospheric water generator. In still further embodiments, the processorsets the cooling element temperature below a dew point.

In other embodiments, the processor may further include a costassociated with water production based upon a volume of water generatedduring a time period and an amount of power consumed during the timeperiod. In still other embodiments, the display includes an applicationinterface that is coupled to the processor, wherein the applicationinterface includes status information associated with the atmosphericwater generator.

An illustrative method for atmospheric water generation may includedisplaying status information associated with the atmospheric watergenerator by a processor for communicating with an atmospheric watergenerator, wherein the processor is communicatively coupled to atangible, non-transitory, memory having operating actions storedthereon; receiving operating instructions for the atmospheric watergenerator from the processor; communicating the operating instructionsto the atmospheric water generator from the processor; and performingthe operating instructions by the atmospheric water generator.

The method may further include displaying, by the processor, an outsidetemperature, an outdoor humidity, a water level, an indoor temperature,an indoor humidity, and a dew point. Further still, the method mayinclude displaying, by the processor, a daily power usage, a weeklypower usage, a monthly power usage, and an annual power usage.

Various methods may further include setting, by the processor, a coiltemperature of the atmospheric water generator. Other methods mayinclude calculating, by the processor, a cost associated with waterproduction based upon a volume of water generated during a time periodand an amount of power consumed during the time period.

FIGURES

The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to thefollowing drawings which are presented for illustrative, not limiting,purposes.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative system for atmospheric water generation asdescribed herein and in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative first side view of a first subsystem of thesystem for atmospheric water generation as described herein and inaccordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative front view of the first subsystem of thesystem for atmospheric water generation as described herein and inaccordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative second side view of the first subsystem ofthe system for atmospheric water generation as described herein and inaccordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative interior portion of an air intake filter ofthe first subsystem as described herein and in accordance with variousembodiments.

FIG. 6 shows illustrative front view of the first subsystem of thesystem for atmospheric water generation in which an intake vent panel isremoved to expose an air intake filter as described herein and inaccordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows illustrative cross-sectional view of a second subsystem ofthe system for atmospheric water generation as described herein and inaccordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of a water containerof the second subsystem of the system for atmospheric water generationas described herein and in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative wireless communications device displaydisplaying a homepage of an application interface for controlling thesystem for atmospheric water generation as described herein and inaccordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative wireless communications device displaydisplaying a city or location selection page of an application interfacefor controlling the system for atmospheric water generation as describedherein and in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 11 shows an illustrative wireless communications device displaydisplaying an illustrative settings page of an application interface forcontrolling the system for atmospheric water generation as describedherein and in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 12 shows an illustrative wireless communications device displaydisplaying a second illustrative settings page of an applicationinterface for controlling the system for atmospheric water generation asdescribed herein and in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 13 shows an illustrative wireless communications device displaydisplaying a sharing page of an application interface for controllingthe system for atmospheric water generation as described herein and inaccordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 14 shows an illustrative wireless communications device displaydisplaying a notification setting page of an application interface forcontrolling the system for atmospheric water generation as describedherein and in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 15 shows an illustrative wireless communications device displaydisplaying a device list page of an application interface forcontrolling the system for atmospheric water generation as describedherein and in accordance with various embodiments.

DESCRIPTION

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the followingdescription is illustrative and not in any way limiting. Otherembodiments of the claimed subject matter will readily suggestthemselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of thisdisclosure. It shall be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart that the systems and methods described herein may vary as toconfiguration and as to details. The following detailed description ofthe illustrative embodiments includes reference to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, byway of illustration, specific embodiments in which the claimed subjectmatter may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodimentsmay be utilized and structural changes may be made without departingfrom the scope of the claims. It is further understood that the stepsdescribed with respect to the disclosed processes may be performed inany order and are not limited to the order presented herein.

As stated above, existing atmospheric water generators are frequentlystandalone units that operate more effectively when located outdoors.However, this requires users to be present at the atmospheric watergenerator, and outdoors to retrieve water from the atmospheric watergenerator. Alternatively, existing standalone atmospheric watergenerators may be located indoors to facilitate more convenient accessto the collected water. However, an indoor location reduces theefficiency of atmospheric water generators because indoor air commonlyhas a lower dew point temperature and a lower humidity.

Additionally, atmospheric water generators commonly employ a pump tooperate the cooling element, which pump creates noise that is notdesirable for an indoor atmospheric water generator. Therefore, there isa need for an atmospheric water generator that does not pollute anindoor location, such as a home, with the noise of the cooling elementthat condenses water and takes advantage of the benefit of condensingwarmer, wetter outdoor air, yet still allows a user the convenience ofdispensing water at an indoor location.

The systems and methods disclosed herein overcome the deficiencies ofexisting atmospheric water generators by employing two subsystems thatare separate from one another. This separation provides the benefit ofallowing the collection portion of the system to be located at a remotelocation, such as outdoors, while dispensing water from the secondportion of the system at a tap in a desired location, such as indoors.In this manner, the noise of the collection system does not disturb theuser at the remote location, and the collection system is exposed towarmer and more humid outdoor air that can be more efficiently condensedby an atmospheric water generator.

Existing atmospheric water generators struggle with pathogen exposureand growth in the system. The outdoor air frequently used by atmosphericwater generators contains a variety of pathogens. Existing atmosphericwater generators attempt to eliminate these pathogens with a combinationof one or more filters, LED generated ultraviolet radiation, andexposure to ozone. However, these systems fail to completely removepathogens from the collected water. This is especially problematic atthe interior surfaces and components of atmospheric water generators,which are constantly exposed to moist climates, standing water, and/ormoderate temperatures due to their location within the atmospheric watergenerator. Filters fail to prevent at least some pathogens from passingthrough, LEDs may not provide sufficiently intense ultraviolet radiationto neutralize pathogens only in certain areas of an atmospheric watergenerator, and ozone generators include potential fire hazards, toxicityissues, and higher operational costs, as well as requiring additionalpre-treatment and post-treatment filtration.

The systems and methods disclosed herein overcome the deficiencies ofexisting atmospheric water generators by including a titanium dioxidecoating on various internal surfaces and components of an atmosphericwater generator. In some conditions, titanium dioxide coatingsneutralize pathogens on contact. Such an additional neutralizationelement may further sterilize collected water continually, withoutrequiring the collected water to be pumped through a filter, exposed toultraviolet radiation, or treated with ozone. In operation, collectedwater often sits idle within an atmospheric water generator for longperiods of time between initial sterilization upon collection andstorage, and later dispensation by a user. The relatively long periodsof inactivity allow pathogens to proliferate on internal surfaces of anatmospheric water generator or within collected water. Thus, the passivesterilization offered from titanium dioxide coatings is beneficialbecause it is constantly neutralizing pathogens, even when theatmospheric water generator is not dispensing or collecting water.

Existing atmospheric water generators are frequently stand alone unitsthat operate more effectively when located outdoors. However, thisrequires users to be present at the atmospheric water generator, andoften outdoors, to control the operation of the atmospheric watergenerator. Additionally, optimal water collection times may be at night,early morning, or on days having particularly beneficial watercondensing conditions, such as a high dew point temperature. Therefore,it may be inconvenient and undesirable for a user to operate anatmospheric water generator efficiently that requires the user to cometo the location of the atmospheric water generator to control the watercollection processes of the atmospheric water generator.

The systems and methods disclosed herein provide remote access andcontrol capabilities using a downloaded smartphone application, which isalso referred to as na “app.”. Thus, users may monitor and change theoperating mode of one or more remotely located atmospheric watergenerators without the inconvenience of having to be present at the oneor more atmospheric water generators.

With reference to FIG. 1 , there is shown an illustrative system 100 foratmospheric water generation. The term “atmospheric water generation”can be used interchangeably with “atmospheric water generator,” and theterms are used interchangeably herein. As described herein, the system100 may collect and purify atmospheric moisture to produce drinkingwater.

The illustrative system 100 includes a first subsystem 102 and a secondsubsystem 104. The first subsystem 102 may be coupled, such as by way ofa pipe, tubing, water tube, conduit or other such water transmissionmaterials 106 to the second subsystem 104. The first subsystem 102 maycollect and transfer atmospheric moisture to the second subsystem 104for dispensation as drinking water through a water outlet or tap 108.The water tube 106 coupling the first subsystem 102 to the secondsubsystem 104 allows the first subsystem 102 to be separate from thesecond subsystem 104 and remotely located. By way of example and not oflimitation, the first subsystem 102 may be located outdoors and thesecond subsystem 104 may be located indoors. As a further non-limitingexample, the first subsystem 102 may be in a basement or closet and thesecond subsystem 104 may be in a kitchen.

In operation, water vapor in the air, i.e. humidity, enters theillustrative first subsystem 102 and the water vapor is condensed andcollected from the humid air. The collected water is then held in thefirst subsystem 102 and transferred through the water tube 106 to thesecond subsystem 104, which is indoors. The collected water is thenstored in the second subsystem 104 for later dispensation at the wateroutlet or tap 108.

With reference to FIGS. 2-6 , there are shown various views of anillustrative first outdoor subsystem 102. The illustrative first outdoorsubsystem 102 may comprise a first housing 202, a cooling element 204,an air intake filter 206, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)208, a water collector 210, and a water storage tank 212. Although theillustrative system includes a vent that receives humid air, thecollected water system operates in a pressurized closed loop system thatmaintains an positive pressure between the first subsystem 102 and thesecond subsystem 104. The closed loop system includes a pump (not shown)that maintains the positive pressure throughout the system and serves toovercome line losses due to friction and passive drops over valves,fitting and equipment.

Humid air enters the first subsystem 102 through the air intake filter206, where an initial portion of pathogens is removed from the humidair. The humid air then contacts the cooling element 204, whichcondenses water vapor from the air on to the cooling element 204 as thecooling element 204 suddenly lowers the temperature of the air. Thecondensed water then runs into the water collector 210 due to gravityand is fed into a water storage tank 212. In the illustrativeembodiment, the first subsystem 102 is outdoors where the air is morehumid than indoors. In humid environments, indoor cooling from airconditioning systems reduces the amount of humidity in the air. Thus, itis harder to collect water vapor inside a cool room or structure thanoutside in a more humid environment.

In various embodiments, the first housing may comprise an intake vent224. The intake vent 224 may include a plurality of vent holes or ventapertures that allow air to flow through the intake vent 224 and intothe air intake filter 206.

The housing 202 may house the cooling element 204, the air intake filter206, the plurality of LEDs 208, the water collector 210, and the waterstorage tank 212. The housing 202 may be sealed during operation suchthat humid air is only able to enter the housing 202 through the airintake filter 206. Thus, during operation, the air flow through the airintake filter 206 may be maximized, because humid air is not permittedto enter the sealed housing 202 through unsealed crevices in the housing202. In various embodiments, the housing 202 may be sealed andpressurized.

The cooling element 204 may comprise any cooling element suitable tocondense water vapor out of the atmosphere. For example, the coolingelement 204 may comprise a typical refrigerated cooling element or coilcapable of cooling air passing over its surface to condense water vapor.The typical refrigerated cooling element is operated by circulatingFreon or other such common refrigerant working fluids within a closedsystem at various temperatures and pressures. In particular, a pump orcompressor pressurizes the refrigerant in one stage, and allows therefrigerant to expand in a second stage where the refrigerant absorbsenergy from matter, such as humid air. In various embodiments, theworking fluid circulating in the cooling element 204 may be water from anatural or existing energy sink, such as a well, lake, or river, toprovide an energy efficient cooling element 204. The cooling element 204may be carbon coated to neutralize airborne or surface pathogens, suchas bacteria and other microbial organisms. Similarly, in variousembodiments, the cooling element 204 may be coated with titaniumdioxide, such as by a titanium dioxide paint, to neutralize airborne orsurface pathogens. For example, carbon or titanium dioxide may be baked,painted, sprayed, sputtered, infused, or otherwise deposited on thecooling element 204 to form a coating. In various embodiments, it may beadvantageous to bake the titanium dioxide layer onto the cooling element204 and other system components as described herein, because sprayed orpainted titanium dioxide may decompose, chip, flake, or otherwisedegrade in the presence of liquid water.

In one embodiment, the air intake filter 206 may fit into a removableintake vent panel 207 or a portion of an intake vent panel of thehousing 202. The intake vent panel 207 may include a plurality of ventholes or vent apertures that allow air to flow through the intake vent207 and into the air intake filter 206. In another embodiment, theintake vent panel 207 is removable and has no vent holes or apertures.The interior portion of the air intake filter 206 may abut or face thecooling element 204. The intake filter 206 may comprise any suitable airfilter and may be configured, treated, or adapted to neutralize airborneor surface pathogens.

For example, and with particular reference to FIG. 5 , there is shown aninterior (to the housing) portion of the air intake filter 206. Theinterior portion of the filter 206 may include the plurality of LEDs208, which may be mounted to the air intake filter 206 by one or morefasteners, one or more clamps, by an adhesive, by a heat bondingtechnique, by bolts or screws, by an integral manufacturing or formationtechnique, and the like.

In various embodiments, the air intake filter 206 may include carbon ortitanium dioxide to neutralize airborne or surface pathogens. Forexample, carbon or titanium dioxide may be baked, painted, sprayed,sputtered, infused, or otherwise deposited on either or both of theexterior and interior portions of the intake filter 206. In this manner,the air filter 206 may be coated with carbon or titanium dioxide.

With particular reference now to FIG. 6 , each of the LEDs 208 mayinclude an ultraviolet LED capable of eliminating airborne and surfacepathogens entering the system 100. In various embodiments, the system100 may include a plurality of strips of LEDs mounted to the air intakefilter 206, and the LEDs on each strip, or the strips themselves, may bevariously oriented in space. For example, the air intake filter 206 maycomprise three strips of LEDs, and each of the three strips of LEDs mayilluminate an axis (x, y, or z) of the air intake filter 206. In anillustrative embodiment, each of the three strips may contain six LEDseach and may extend vertically, along a y-axis, of the air intake filter206. In various embodiments, more or fewer than one LED strip perdimensional axis may be employed to eliminate airborne and surfacepathogens.

The water collector 210 may be disposed under the cooling element 204and may collect and funnel water into the water storage tank 212 as itcondenses on the cooling element 204 and drips under the influence ofgravity into the collector 210. The water collector 210 may be coupledby a funnel, tray, pipe, hose, or equivalent to the water storage tank212. Again, with reference to FIG. 6 , there is shown a cutaway of theair intake filter 206, with the cooling element 204. The collector 210may, like the air intake filter 206, be coated with carbon or titaniumdioxide to neutralize pathogens in the collecting water. Water mayfurther be irradiated by one or more LEDs disposed over the surface ofthe collector 210 to destroy and stifle the growth of pathogens.

With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8 , illustrative cross-sectional viewsof the second subsystem 104 are shown. Accordingly, the second subsystem104 may comprise a second housing 214, a pathogen neutralizing module216, a water storage container 218, a water inlet 220, and a wateroutlet or tap 108. The second housing 214 may house the pathogenneutralizing module 216, the water storage container 218, the waterinlet 220, and the water outlet or tap 108.

The water storage container 218 may comprise a tank or vessel, and asshown with reference to FIG. 8 , the water storage container 218 maycontain a compressor 222, such as a mechanical spring (e.g., a helicalor coil spring) or a pneumatic actuator, a platform 224, and a waterstorage bladder 226. The platform may be any suitable flat surface, suchas steel sheet metal, aluminum sheet metal, wood, or composite. Thewater storage bladder 226 may comprise an antimicrobial coating ormaterial. In various embodiments, the water storage bladder 226 may reston the platform 224, which may, in turn, rest on the mechanical spring222. As described below, the mechanical spring 222 may expand andcontract as water is pumped into the water storage bladder 226(contraction) or released from the water storage bladder 226(expansion). In other words, the mechanical spring 222 may be compressedto store energy as water is pumped into the bladder 226 and, as water isreleased from the bladder 226 into the tap 108, the spring 222 mayexpand, releasing its stored energy, to squeeze the bladder 226 suchthat water is forced into the tap 108. The mechanical spring 222 may befurther tempered along its length, such that the spring 222 is capableof exerting a constant pressure against the inflating and deflatingwater storage bladder 226 as the spring 222 is compressed anddecompressed. The spring 222 may therefore maintain the water storagebladder 226 at a constant pressure as the water storage bladder 226 isfilled and emptied of water, for example at 12 PSI. However, in otherembodiments, the spring 222 maintains the water storage bladder 226 at asubstantially constant pressure ranging from 10 psi to 14 psi.

In various embodiments, the compressor 222 is a pneumatic actuatorcontaining a fixed mass of working fluid (i.e., air, hydraulic fluid).The pneumatic actuator exerts force constantly on the water storagebladder 226. Similar to the mechanical spring 222, the pneumaticactuator may be compressed to store energy as water is pumped into thebladder 226 and, as water is released from the bladder 226 into the tap108, the actuator may expand, releasing its stored energy, to squeezethe bladder 226 such that water is forced into the tap 108. In anotherembodiment, the pneumatic actuator includes a pneumatic compressor andrelease valve that operate in conjunction to modulate the internalpressure of the pneumatic actuator as needed to maintain a consistentforce on the water storage bladder 226.

In various embodiments, the pathogen neutralizing module 216 maycomprise one or more filters, an ozone treatment module, a secondplurality of LEDs, or any combination thereof.

In addition, water may pass through one or more elements comprising thepathogen neutralizing module 216 prior to entering the water storagebladder 226 and/or as the water is released from the water storagebladder 226, as described herein, on its way to the tap 108. Further, invarious embodiments, water may be treated by elements of the pathogenneutralizing module 216 at both stages; that is, water may be treatedprior to storage in the water storage bladder 226 and as the water exitsthe water storage bladder 226. By way of example and not of limitation,the pathogen neutralizing module 216 may include a filter that filtersvarious particles from the water prior to entering the water storagebladder 226. In another illustrative embodiment, the pathogenneutralizing module 216 includes an ozone generator that releases ozoneinto the water storage bladder 226. In yet another illustrativeembodiment, the pathogen neutralizing module 216 includes a secondplurality of LEDs (not shown) that treat water as it exits the waterstorage bladder 226.

The one or more of filters may include at least one of a first sedimentfilter, a second sediment filter, a carbon filter, a first pathogenfilter, and a second pathogen filter. The sediment filters may filtersediment and mineral content from water collected by the system 100. Thecarbon filter may filter mineral, particulate, and other content fromthe water. The first and second pathogens filters filter variouspathogens such as bacteria and other microbial organisms from the water.Water passes through the filter or filters. The filters may besequentially connected to one another. For example, water may flowthrough the first and second sediment filters, then through the carbonfilter, and finally through the first pathogen filter and the secondpathogen filter. A final sediment, carbon, and/or pathogen filtrationstage may be added to ensure water quality.

Any one or more of the plurality of filters may be tubular or flat.Additionally, any one or more of the plurality of filters may be amembrane filter. The membrane filters may have a pore size of 0.1microns to 10 microns. Such filters prevent bacteria, fungal spores, andother pathogenic microorganisms from passing through, therebyneutralizing such pathogens in the filter water. Bacteria typicallyrange in size from 0.5 microns to 5 microns in length, fungal sporesfrom 2 microns to 200 microns, and amoebas from 200 microns to 500microns.

The ozone generator may employ any one or more of the common in situozone generation techniques, such as corona discharge or UVphotochemical generation.

In operation, an air compressor or fan (not shown) may operate withinthe first subsystem 102 to draw air, through vents (not shown) in theintake vent 207 and into the air intake filter 206. As air passesthrough the filter, a carbon or titanium dioxide coating on the interiorportion of the air intake filter 206 neutralizes airborne and surfacepathogens. In some embodiments, many bacteria and other microorganismsare destroyed by contact with titanium dioxide, and pathogens such asthese are neutralized as they make contact with, and pass through, theair intake filter 206. Thus, the system 100 may, during an initialpurification or sterilization stage, neutralize pathogens while watervapor in the air is in a gas phase (i.e., prior to water condensation).

However, in other embodiments, contact with titanium dioxide mayincrease pathogen content. In these embodiments, the various otherelements of the pathogen neutralizing module neutralize the pathogensthat are not destroyed by contact with titanium dioxide. In still otherembodiments, pathogens are neutralized on contact with titanium dioxidein the presence of ultraviolet radiation.

The plurality of LEDs 208 may irradiate humid air having water vapor asit passes through the air intake filter 206 to further neutralizepathogens circulating through the filter. The LEDs 208 may operate inthe ultraviolet spectrum, such as, in an illustrative embodiment, at 254nanometers. In various embodiments, the LEDs 208 may emit other spectraof UV radiation, e.g. 405 nanometers.

As humid air exits the intake filter 206, it may come into contact withthe cooling element 204. The cooling element 204 may be coated, like theair intake filter 206, with titanium dioxide or carbon and/orilluminated by one or more ultraviolet LEDs to further reduce orneutralize pathogens in the intake air. The cooling element 204 mayoperate at a temperature that is below the dew point such that watervapor in the intake air condenses on the cooling element 204 and dripsas it accumulates on the cooling element 204 into the water collector210. Thus, the system 100 may further neutralize pathogens during asecondary treatment, in which purification or sterilization stage—i.e.,when the water vapor has condensed on the cooling element 204 into aliquid water phase.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the system includes a controller having aprocessor and a memory having tangible, non-transitory,computer-readable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by theprocessor, cause the processor to adjust the operating temperature ofthe cooling element 204 to a temperature that is below the measured dewpoint. The dew point may be measured by one or more sensors configuredto measure the dew point in the system 100. The dew point may also becalculated by accessing online weather databases that include localweather conditions. In various embodiments, the processor may adjust thetemperature of the cooling element 204 to a temperature that is between1 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit below the measured dew point, so that thesystem 100 does not expend electrical energy beyond what is needed toreduce the cooling element 204 temperature to a temperature that isbelow the dew point.

The system 100 may therefore improve its operating efficiency by varyingthe cooling element 204 temperature to correspond to variations in thedew point temperature. The system 100 may adjust the cooling element 204temperature based upon the dew point temperature automatically or basedupon a manual input by an operator, which may be provided to the system100 by way of an application interface provided on a wirelesscommunications device that is communicatively coupled to the system 100.

Moreover, the illustrative controller 120 may receive further systemstatus information such as a temperature of the cooling element 204, anindoor temperature, an outdoor temperature, an indoor humidity, anoutdoor humidity, and the like from various sensors. The controller mayuse this additional information to further improve its operatingefficiency when varying the cooling element 204 temperature.

In some embodiments, the system 100 may improve its operating efficiencyby causing the controller 120 to engage the cooling element 204 when theindoor and outdoor temperatures vary beyond a certain amount, such as 5°F., 10° F., 15° F., 20° F., or 25° F. In other embodiments, the system100 may improve its operating efficiency by causing the controller 120to engage when the indoor humidity and outdoor humidity vary beyond acertain percent, such as 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25%. In still otherembodiments, the system 100 may improve its operating efficiency bycausing the controller 120 to engage when certain combinations ofoutdoor temperature and humidity are favorable to water vaporcondensation are measured. For example, outdoor temperatures above 75°F., 80° F., 85° F., 90° F., 95° F., or 100° F. degrees Fahrenheit andoutdoor humidity of 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or higher forcondensing water vapor.

The cooling system 100 may further power on and power off based upon awater level and/or pressure in the water storage tank 212 or waterstorage bladder 226. For example, the system 100 may power “on” togenerate water in response to a determination that the water level ineither of the water storage tank 212 or water storage bladder 226 isbelow 100% of the total water storage capacity. Also, the system 100 maypower off in response to a determination that the water level in eitherof the water storage tank 212 or water storage bladder 226 is less than100% of the total water storage capacity. In another embodiment, thesystem 100 may power off in response to a determination that the waterlevel in either of the water storage tank 212 or water storage bladder226 is 100% of the total water storage capacity of either. In anotherembodiment, the system 100 may power off in response to the waterpressure in either of the water storage tank 212 or water storagebladder 226 is 12 psi, 13 psi, 14 psi, or 15 psi.

The water collector 210, like the air intake filter 206 and coolingelement 204, may be coated with carbon or titanium dioxide and/orilluminated by ultraviolet light are associated with the first outdoorsubsystem. The water collector 210 may funnel water into the waterstorage tank 212, and a pump coupled to the water storage tank 212 maypressurize water in the tank 212 to a specified pressure. In a preferredembodiment, water in the water storage tank 212 is pressurized to apressure in the range of 12-14 psi. In various embodiments, a pressureexceeding 12-14 psi may encourage the formation of pathogens, such asbacteria, in the plurality of filters as water is transferred from thefirst subsystem 102 to the second subsystem 104.

In one illustrative embodiment, a pressure exceeding 12 psi may causeone or more porous elements within at least one of the filters 216 maypermit pathogens to enter the closed loop system second indoorsubsystem. Thus, the system may limit the water pressure prior to andduring filtration to pressures of approximately 12 psi, while afterfiltration (e.g., as water is pumped into and stored in the waterstorage bladder 226), water pressures may also remain approximately 12psi or water pressures may exceed 12 psi depending on engineeringrequirements.

More specifically, water is transferred from the first subsystem 102 tothe second subsystem 104 by way of the illustrative water tubing 106. Invarious embodiments, the tubing 106 may comprise any suitable length,such as any length that is less than or equal to fifty feet. The tubing106 may further, in certain embodiments, comprise any suitablethickness, such as one quarter of an inch, and the tubing 106 may, likethe rest of the system, comprise an antimicrobial material or a materialcoated with an antimicrobial agent.

As water enters the second subsystem 104, it may be stored in the waterstorage bladder 226. As water accumulates in the bladder 226, thebladder may, by its increasing mass, force the compressor 222, uponwhich it rests, to compress. Water may be maintained within the secondsubsystem 104 (e.g., within the bladder 226) in a vacuum (or nearvacuum), such that the water does not come into contact, afterfiltration and/or sterilization at the first subsystem 102 withsecondary or unintentionally introduced airborne pathogens. In otherembodiments, water may be maintained within the water bladder 226 in avacuum. In further embodiments, water may be maintained within thesecond subsystem in a positive pressure. In still further embodiments,water may be maintained within the water bladder 226 in a near vacuum.The second subsystem 104 is therefore, in this regard, a closed orisolated system. The water storage bladder 226 is, in addition, may bemaintained in vacuum or under positive pressure such that the bladder226 is devoid of air.

The illustrative second indoor subsystem 104 may respond to a request oran input, such as a mechanical input provided by an operator of thesystem 100 at the tap 108, to dispense water by releasing energy storedin the compressed compressor 222, such that the compressor 222decompresses or expands, causing water to flow from the bladder 226 tothe tap 108. Thus, the water stored within the water bladder 226 isforced out of the water bladder 226 and through the tap 108 in responseto expansion of the compressor 222. In various embodiments, thecompressor includes a mechanical spring, and the decompression occursalong the helical axis of the spring to squeeze the bladder 226. Thecompressor 222 may be allowed to decompress, when a valve (not shown) onthe tap is opened. In various embodiments, as water exits the bladder226 on its way to the tap 108 the water passes through a series ofsediment, carbon, and pathogen filters. These filters remove orneutralize sediment, minerals, various odors and discolorations, and anyremaining pathogens from the water at this stage.

As described above, the first subsystem 102 may be located outdoors andmay be coupled, by way of one or more water carrying tubes 106, to thesecond subsystem 104, which may be located indoors for convenience andsuch that water can be dispensed indoors. Placement of the firstsubsystem 102 outdoors confers several advantages. For example, asdescribed above, the first subsystem 102 may include an air compressor,which may during operation produce undesirable motor or air compressornoise if placed indoors. The first subsystem 102 may be separated ordecoupled, by way of the water tubing 106, from the second subsystem104, permitting placement of the quieter second subsystem 104 indoors.Generally, the humidity of outdoor air has more water vapor and is,typically, capable of producing a greater water yield than indoor air,which is often pre-filtered and dehumidified by heating and coolingsystems.

With reference now to FIGS. 9-15 , there is shown an illustrativewireless communications device display 300 displaying a user interface302 that includes various functions, for monitoring and controlling thesystem 100 for atmospheric water generation as described herein and inaccordance with various embodiments. By way of example and not oflimitation, the wireless communications device may be embodied as atablet, smartphone, or other wireless capable device. The wirelesscommunication device may also be interchangeably referred to as mobilecommunication device. The user interface 302 may be generated by adownloaded software application executed on the wireless communicationsdevice.

To this end, the mobile communications device may comprise a controlleror processor 280, a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable mediumor memory 290, and a display. The processor 280 is configured to executeinstructions for the software application, which may be stored on thetangible, non-transitory, computer-readable memory 290 of the wirelesscommunications device 300. The mobile communications device may furtherinclude a variety of communications hardware for communicating with thesystem 100, such as a network interface card and one or more radios. Theradio may be include one or more of a WiFi radio system, a BLUETOOTHradio system, a cellular radio system, and the like.

The tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable memory 290 may have avariety of information stored thereon including a database of statusinformation and at least one operating instruction for the system 100.The status information may include data received from one or moresensors, such as indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, indoorhumidity, outdoor humidity, outdoor dew point temperature, water storagetank 212 water level, water bladder 226 water level, water storage tank212 pressure, and water bladder 226 pressure. The processor 280 orcontroller receives input from the various sensors to update thedatabase of status information. The operating instructions for thesystem 100 may include various routines for powering on and off the fan,the cooling element 204, the first and second plurality of LEDs 208, andthe various transfer pumps.

Thus, the software application may enable remote control and monitoringof the system 100. For example, an operator of the mobile communicationsdevice may interact with the user interface 302 to receive statusinformation associated with the system 100 as well as to provide controlinstructions to the system 100. Thus, the system 100 may be remotelycontrolled and monitored through the user interface 302. For example,the processor of the wireless device may control the temperature of thecooling element 204, such as to set the cooling element temperaturebelow a dew point temperature.

In various embodiments, the system 100 operator may receive alerts ormessages indicating, as appropriate, that one or more filters, LEDs, andother system 100 components require replacement, cleaning, or attention.Thus, a system operator may remotely monitor a plurality of watergeneration systems and may, in response to detection of an alert ormessage, as described, dispatch a technician to perform maintenance onone or more water generation systems prior to, or in response to, systemfailure and in the absence of, or prior to, the placement of a servicecall or service inquiry to the operator by a customer or user.

Accordingly, with particular reference now to FIG. 9 , there is shown ahomepage displayed on user interface 302. The homepage may include avariety of control or status icons. For example, the homepage mayinclude a weather icon (not shown), a settings icon 308, a systemlocation and weather icon 310, an outdoor temperature icon 312, anoutdoor humidity icon 314, a system 100 or machine name icon (notshown), a water level icon 316, an indoor temperature icon 318, anindoor humidity icon 320, a dew point temperature icon 322, a poweron/off icon 324, a daily power consumption icon 328, a weekly powerconsumption icon 326, a monthly power consumption icon (not shown),and/or an annual power consumption icon (now shown). Thus, the wirelesscommunications device may display an outside temperature, an outdoorhumidity, a water level, an indoor temperature, an indoor humidity, anda dew point. In other embodiments, the wireless communications devicemay further display a daily power usage, a weekly power usage, a monthlypower usage, and an annual power usage.

In various embodiments, the weather icon (not shown) may be selected todisplay a temperature and/or weather for the location of the system 100.In various embodiments, the weather icon (not shown) may be selected toretrieve a temperature and/or weather for the location of the system100. The software application may connect to an online weather servicedatabase or website to retrieve weather for the location of the system100 in response to operator input. The user interface 302 may displaythe system 100 location and weather icon 310 in response to selection ofthe weather icon (not shown). As shown at FIG. 10 , the weather icon(not shown) may also cause the user interface 302 to display a city orlocation selection page 330. The city or location selection page 330 maypermit the operator to select a Manual Location option 332 to manuallyenter a city or location.

The operator may also, from the city selection page 330, select anAutomatic Location option 334 that enables the software application toautomatically determine a location of the system 100. The softwareapplication may automatically determine a location of the system 100 byinterrogating the system 100. For example, the software application maycommunicate with the system 100 to request that the system 100 transmitits location to the software application. The location may be based upona location record stored in the memory of the system 100, a GPS signalreceived by a GPS receiver installed in the system 100, an IP addressassociated with the system 100 or other such location determinationmethods.

The settings icon 308 shown in FIG. 9 may enable a settings function ofthe software application. For example, as shown at FIG. 11 , an operatormay select the settings icon, which may cause the user interface 302 todisplay a settings page 336. From the settings page 336, the operatormay select a city or location 338, one or more notification options 340,a device management option 342, an information center option 344, anoption to check for software updates 346, or an option to contact themanufacturer 348 of the system 100.

In a second embodiment as shown at FIG. 12 , the settings page 336 mayallow the operator to select an option to modify the user password 350,a share option 352, an option to check for software updates 346, asystem language option 354, and an option to contact the manufacturer356 of the system 100.

The share option 352 may enable the sharing function of the softwareapplication. For example, as shown at FIG. 13 , an operator may selectthe share option icon 352, which may cause the application interface 300to display a sharing page 358. The sharing page 358 may permit theoperator to share data associated with the system 100 via any suitablemedia sharing or social networking website or application.

Where the operator selects a notification option, the user interface 302may present a notification settings page 360, as shown with respect toFIG. 14 . In various embodiments, the notification settings page 360 maypermit the operator to select an option to display outdoor or indoortemperature or weather 362. In other embodiments, where there is aplurality of systems 100 coupled to the software application, thenotification settings page 360 may permit the operator to select anoption to display a system with respect to which various notificationsor other information should be displayed. Again, with reference to FIG.14 , selection options for a system titled “water-1” 364 and a secondsystem titled “water-2” 366 are available as illustrative operatorselections.

Where the operator selects a device settings option, the user interface302 may present a device list page 368, as shown with respect to FIG. 15. In various embodiments, the device settings page 368 may permit theoperator to name, add, or remove one or more systems 100 coupled to thesoftware application.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the outdoor temperature icon 312 may display theoutdoor weather for the system 100. For example, the outdoor temperatureicon 312 may display the ambient temperature for the air surrounding thefirst subsystem 102. A temperature sensor (not shown) in the firstsubsystem system 102 may measure the outdoor temperature.

The outdoor humidity icon 314 may display the outdoor humidity for thesystem 100. For example, the outdoor humidity icon 314 may display thehumidity in the air surrounding the system 100. A humidity sensor (notshown) in the system 100 may measure the humidity or the humidity may bedetermined from a weather station near the location of the system 100.

The water level icon 316 may display the water level in the system 100.A water level sensor in the system 100 may measure the water level ortotal amount of water collected by the system 100 during a specified orpreset period of time. More particularly, either or both of the waterstorage tank 212 (shown in FIG. 6 ) or water storage bladder 226 (shownin FIG. 8 ) may include a water level sensor, and the user interface 302may be configured to display the current water level or total amount ofwater collected in either or both of the water storage tank 212 and thewater storage bladder 226 during a specified or preset period of time.

The indoor temperature icon 318 may display the indoor temperature forthe system 100. For example, the indoor temperature icon 318 may displaythe ambient temperature for the air surrounding the second subsystem 104at an indoor location. A temperature sensor in the system 100 maymeasure the indoor temperature.

The indoor humidity icon 320 may display the humidity for the airsurrounding the second subsystem 104 at an indoor location. For example,the indoor humidity icon 320 may display the humidity in the airsurrounding the system 100. A humidity sensor in the system 100 maymeasure the indoor humidity.

The dew point temperature icon 322 may display the dew point temperaturefor the air surrounding the first subsystem 104 at an outdoor location.For example, the dew point temperature icon 322 may display the currentdew point temperature of the air surrounding the second subsystem 104. Adew point temperature sensor in the system 100 may measure the dew pointtemperature.

Where the user interface 302 presents a power consumption icon, theoperator may calculate, based upon a cost of power and the displayedwater level, a cost associated with water production. The costassociated with water production may be based upon a volume of watergenerated during a time period and an amount of power consumed duringthe time period. In various embodiments, the processor may calculate acost associated with water production. The power consumption icon may bea daily 328, weekly 326, monthly, or annual power consumption icon. Thedisplayed water level may be current or cumulative over a period of timecorresponding to the power consumption icon. The cost associated withwater production may be a cost per gallon or a cost per liter. Thesoftware application may further perform and display this calculationautomatically or in response to an operator input requesting a costassociated with water production.

It is to be understood that the detailed description of illustrativeembodiments is provided for illustrative purposes. Thus, the degree ofsoftware modularity for the system and method presented above may evolveto benefit from the improved performance and lower cost of the futurehardware components that meet the system and method requirementspresented. Additionally, with respect to the indoor and outdoor systemsdescribed above, the systems may evolve and be improved upon based onimprovements to pathogen neutralizing technologies and cooling systemsfor the collection of water vapor. The scope of the claims is notlimited to these specific embodiments or examples. Therefore, variousprocess limitations, elements, details, and uses can differ from thosejust described, or be expanded on or implemented using technologies notyet commercially viable, and yet still be within the inventive conceptsof the present disclosure. The scope of the invention is determined bythe following claims and their legal equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for atmospheric water generation, the system comprising: an atmospheric water generator that includes, a first subsystem located in an outdoor location, wherein the first subsystem includes a cooling element and a water collector that receives outdoor air at ambient pressure, a water tube coupled to the water collector, and a second subsystem located in an indoor location that is coupled to the water tube, the second subsystem including a water storage bladder, a filter, and a tap coupled to the water storage bladder, wherein the water storage bladder pressurized by a stored energy device above ambient pressure; a communications device comprising a processor and a display, the communication device configured to communicate with the atmospheric water generator; an updatable database of status information associated with the atmospheric water generator; and at least one operating instruction received by the communication device, wherein the operating instruction corresponds to the atmospheric water generator.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the communications device is further configured to display at least one of an outside temperature, an outdoor humidity, a water level, an indoor temperature, an indoor humidity, and a dew point, which is associated with the atmospheric water generation system.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the communications device is configured to display at least one of a daily power usage, a weekly power usage, a monthly power usage, and an annual power usage.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the communications device is configured to set a cooling element temperature for the atmospheric water generator, which is below a dew point.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the communications device is configured to present a calculated cost associated with water production based upon a volume of water generated during a time period and an amount of power consumed during the time period.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the communications device includes a user interface configured to receive and display the status information associated with the atmospheric water generator.
 7. A system for atmospheric water generation, the system comprising: an atmospheric water generator that includes a first subsystem located in an outdoor location, wherein the first subsystem includes a cooling element and a water collector that receives outdoor air at ambient pressure, a water tube coupled to the water collector, and a second subsystem located in an indoor location that is coupled to the water tube, the second subsystem including a water storage bladder, a filter, and a tap coupled to the water storage bladder, wherein the water storage bladder pressurized by a stored energy device above ambient pressure; a communications device comprising a processor and a display, the communication device configured to communicate with the atmospheric water generator; an updatable database of status information associated with the atmospheric water generator; at least one operating instruction received by the communication device, wherein the operating instruction corresponds to the atmospheric water generator; and wherein the remote communications device includes a user interface configured to receive and display the status information associated with the atmospheric water generator.
 8. The system of claim 7 wherein the display presents an outside temperature, an outdoor humidity, a water level, an indoor temperature, an indoor humidity, and a dew point.
 9. The system of claim 7 wherein the display presents a daily power usage, a weekly power usage, a monthly power usage, and an annual power usage.
 10. The system of claim 7 wherein the communication device controls a cooling element temperature of the atmospheric water generator.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein the communication device is configured to set a cooling element temperature below a dew point.
 12. The system of claim 7 wherein the communication device is configured to present a cost associated with water production based upon a volume of water generated during a time period and an amount of power consumed during the time period.
 13. A method for atmospheric water generation, the method comprising: displaying, by a processor for communicating with an atmospheric water generator, status information associated with the atmospheric water generator, the processor communicatively coupled to a tangible, non-transitory, memory having operating actions stored thereon, the atmospheric water generator including a first subsystem located in an outdoor location and a second subsystem located in an indoor location, wherein the first subsystem includes a cooling element and a water collector, and wherein the second subsystem includes a water storage bladder, a filter, and a tap coupled to the water storage bladder; receiving, by the processor, operating instructions for the atmospheric water generator; communicating, by the processor, the operating instructions to the atmospheric water generator; performing, by the atmospheric water generator, the operating instructions, wherein the operating instructions include one of an instruction to engage the cooling element and an instruction to disengage the cooling element; receiving, by the engaged cooling element, outdoor air at ambient pressure; and pressurizing, by a stored energy device, the water storage bladder above ambient pressure.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising displaying, by the processor, an outside temperature, an outdoor humidity, a water level, an indoor temperature, an indoor humidity, and a dew point.
 15. The method of claim 13 further comprising displaying, by the processor, a daily power usage, a weekly power usage, a monthly power usage, and an annual power usage.
 16. The method of claim 13 further comprising setting, by the processor, a cooling element temperature.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the processor sets the cooling element temperature below a dew point.
 18. The method of claim 13 further comprising calculating, by the processor, a cost associated with water production based upon a volume of water generated during a time period and an amount of power consumed during the time period.
 19. The method of claim 13 further comprising presenting, by the processor, an application interface configured to receive and display the status information associated with the atmospheric water generator. 